Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2423 Chapter 1099: Hundred Flowers Jade Token (Part 2)

"Water Prison..."

Mo Hua acknowledged with a nod.

Yu Canghai was completely taken aback.

Earlier, a sliver of hope had flickered within him, a mere guess that this particular box might reside in Mo Hua's possession.

However, it remained just a thought, something he didn't truly dare to entertain.

Yet, to his astonishment, this treasured artifact, a forbidden item passed down through countless generations of the Water Prison Sect, had actually fallen into Mo Hua's hands.

And in the span of a single tea break, Mo Hua had casually brought it up directly in his presence.

A tempest of emotions surged within Yu Canghai's heart. He clenched his fists, his gaze filled with an intense eagerness, and trembled as he finally managed to speak:

"Then..."

Mo Hua simply shook his head. "I cannot give it to you at this moment."

Yu Canghai's face fell, etched with profound disappointment, unmistakable reluctance, and a burgeoning hint of anger.

But as he lifted his head and met Mo Hua's unfathomably serene gaze, every trace of Yu Canghai's anger dissipated instantly.

With a long, drawn-out sigh, Yu Canghai's countenance turned ashen.

Mo Hua spoke with tranquil clarity, "In your heart, you must understand that even if I were to hand this over to you now, you would not be able to protect it. Should even the slightest hint of its existence leak out, it could spell your doom, or worse, bring disaster upon Little Shunzi, Little Shuizi, and the entirety of the fishing village. Surely, you have known the bitter sting of 'treasuring a jade ring becomes a crime.'"

"Nevertheless," Mo Hua continued, "this item rightfully belongs to the Water Prison Sect. I can indeed give it to you, but not yet."

Yu Canghai paused, a flicker of hope igniting within his previously gloomy eyes.

Mo Hua elaborated, "The day you achieve Feather Transformation and possess the qualification to safeguard this box, I shall entrust it to you."

A bitter smile touched Yu Canghai's lips. "My aptitude is merely mediocre, and my foundational cultivation was compromised during my flight from pursuit. I fear I shall never even brush the edge of Feather Transformation in this lifetime. How could I possibly harbor such an extravagant hope?"

"That is your own concern," Mo Hua replied.

Yu Canghai wore an expression of bitter helplessness.

After a moment's contemplation, Mo Hua realized his demand might be too steep. He then offered, "It would also be acceptable if Little Shunzi and Little Shuizi reach the Golden Core stage. By that time, I will present the box to you."

Yu Canghai solemnly nodded his assent. "Very well."

Although reaching the Golden Core was a formidable challenge, it was significantly more attainable compared to Feather Transformation.

Furthermore, fostering Little Shunzi and Little Shuizi into talented cultivators had long been his cherished aspiration, and it aligned perfectly with Mo Hua's revised condition.

The sole lingering question was whether Mo Hua would uphold his promise.

Yu Canghai cast a glance at Mo Hua, pondered for a moment, and sighed inwardly.

Regardless, for the present moment, he conceded that Young Master Mo's character was undoubtedly trustworthy.

He owed a profound debt of gratitude to Mo Hua, for himself, his family, and the Water Prison Sect.

Even if Mo Hua harbored a desire to covet the Water Prison Forbidden Box, he had no obligation to even broach the subject.

Had Mo Hua chosen to refuse outright, there would have been nothing to contest.

With his current standing and unique position within the Taixu Gate, Mo Hua could have easily orchestrated events, perhaps even resorting to clandestine means to eliminate him, a mere Golden Core Elder, and silence him permanently, without much difficulty.

Yet, he had refrained from any such treacherous actions. Instead, he had approached the matter with candor, discussing it face-to-face and even pledging to return the Forbidden Box in the future.

This consideration alone demonstrated a significant measure of respect towards him, an elder representing a declining sect.

Moreover, it could be interpreted as a gesture of "benevolence" and an expression of "future expectation."

Having come to this understanding, Yu Canghai exhaled deeply, his heart finding a measure of peace, and his gratitude deepened.

He rose to his feet, offered a profound bow, and declared with utmost solemnity, "Thank you, Young Master, for your boundless benevolence and virtue in safeguarding the Taoist inheritance of the Water Prison Sect."

Mo Hua perceived the sincerity shining in Elder Yu's eyes and responded with a slight nod.

Both logically and emotionally, he harbored no desire for the Taoist inheritance of the Water Prison Sect to be extinguished.

Despite their current plight, individuals always require a flicker of hope, whether it pertains to the sect's legacy, their personal cultivation journey, or the diligent education of their disciples.

Following his departure from Elder Yu, and given his visit to the Gui Water Sect, Mo Hua decided to seize the opportunity to call upon Wang Chen.

Wang Chen was faring quite well in his current circumstances.

Among the cohort of Gui Water Sect disciples belonging to this generation, Qin Cangliu possessed the most exceptional talent and the most formidable cultivation.

However, the individual who commanded the broadest network of connections and achieved the greatest social success was the seemingly unassuming disciple, Wang Chen.

This turn of events left Mo Hua feeling a profound sense of emotion.

Indeed, one truly cannot judge individuals solely by their outward appearance.

A person who appears ordinary, when presented with the opportune moment, can reveal unexpected capabilities.

Recalling the incident where he and Hao Xuan had unceremoniously stuffed Wang Chen into a sack and administered a beating by the roadside...

The memory intensified Mo Hua's already considerable emotional state.

Fortunately, Wang Chen harbored no ill will over such petty matters.

In fact, had Mo Hua and the others not bested him, he might have been 'eliminated' alongside other wayward disciples of the Gui Water Sect during the Rouge Boat incident.

As such, he wouldn't be in his current position.

Destiny truly is unfathomable.

"Junior Brother..."

In their private moments, much like Hao Xuan, Wang Chen addressed Mo Hua as "Junior Brother."

"I followed the path of a Senior Brother within the Gui Water Sect, and upon graduation, I'll be assigned to a remote post as a Taoist Court official for a few years of training. Should I succeed in forming a core, I'll be transferred back to the vicinity of the Qian Learning State Boundary, with prospects for steady advancement starting as a Supervisor... In the future, I am uncertain if our paths will cross again..."

Wang Chen sincerely cupped his hands, "Junior Brother, take care."

Mo Hua reciprocated with a smile, also cupping his hands, "I wish you a prosperous journey, may we meet again."

After bidding farewell to Wang Chen, Mo Hua made his way back to the Taixu Gate, coincidentally encountering Song Jian, one of the notorious "traitor duo."

Within the dense forest of Refining Demon Mountain.

Song Jian, adopting the guise of a fugitive, was clad in dark attire and a headscarf, stealthily maneuvering to meet Mo Hua.

Mo Hua expressed mild exasperation, "Is such extreme caution truly necessary?"

"You wouldn't comprehend," Song Jian confided, "My current predicament is precarious; I stand on the precipice of becoming the 'Grand Senior Brother' among my fellow disciples. If I'm discovered colluding with you, the 'sworn enemy' of the Sever Gold Sect, it would spell utter ruin; no amount of atonement could cleanse my name..."

Mo Hua found himself at a loss for words.

To be branded a "traitor," how could one ever truly be cleansed?